Clinical Trials

We have participated in over 100
investigator-initiated, cooperative-group clinical trials, and
coordinated some of the largest randomised trials initiated by
Australian investigators (LIPID and FIELD studies, each with over
9000 patients). Over 65 000 patients have been randomised to
these trials.

The resources of multiple collaborative clinical groups
have been consolidated through the
CTC, ensuring a critical mass in specialised
areas of expertise. This has helped our clinical trials program to
grow in breadth and depth, particularly in oncology.

All trials undertaken through the CTC are
conducted strictly according to guidelines for clinical trials
research and conduct, and are audited by regulatory authorities,
sponsors and the CTC itself.

Our capacity to conduct high-quality trials continues to
grow through expansion in our infrastructure and strengthening
and streamlining of operational processes.

Background: Randomised trials provide best evidence of treatment
effects, owing to their unbiased allocation of treatments to each
patient group, but post hoc analysis of these trials can still lead
to substantial bias of estimates of treatment effect. The extent to
which this occurs is not fully appreciated by the reader. Using
access to large databases of clinical trials (LIPID, FIELD, cancer
trials) we will be able to produce simulated trial results (for a
null treatment and a positive treatment) using intention-to-treat
prespecified analyses and then compare these results with post hoc
analyses, in which patient exclusions, adjusted analyses, choice of
statistical test, subgroups and other post hoc choices are
examined. The research will examine strategies for adjusting
prespecified analyses that are free from bias and provide a clear
framework to guide future trial analyses.

The suitable candidate will have a background in science or
medicine, including postgraduate training in epidemiology and/or
biostatistics. Demonstrated quantitative research skills and an
ability to publish high-quality research are required.

To submit an expression of interest, please send 1. a cover
letter, 2. curriculum vitae, and 3. academic transcripts as a
single PDF to Professor John
Simes by Monday, 29 August 2016.